“Alban’s Bolero”
(Composed and performed by Reynold D. Philipsek 2011 copyright Zino-Rephi Music BMI)
Guitar-Reynold
Violin-Gary Schulte
Bass-Jeff Brueske
This is a real rarity, although there are many pieces I’ve written and recorded that can be put under that category.
The basis for the melodic line in this piece is the original 12 tone row (G, Bflat, D, Fsharp, A, C, E, G sharp, B, C sharp, E flat, F) that Alban Berg used in his Violin Concerto. Incidentally, Berg broke some “Schoenbergian” rules with his row. Schoenberg advised against any major and minor triads in any inversion and this row starts with one. Maybe this is why of the big three of Schoenberg, Berg and Webern it is Berg’s music which appeals to many people most.
I have two songs in my original repertoire that employ 12 tone rows. The first is called “Vienna Blues” and, of course, this song.
What I usually try to do is to calm down the angularity of a 12 tone row by putting more traditional harmonies beneath it and shaping the phrase in such a way as to “tame” the row.
Someone once said “the art is to conceal the art.”
Take care. Stay safe.
Love,
Reyn